Linda Furuto is a math education professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, and uses math regularly as she trains as an apprentice navigator on the Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Math didn’t always come easy to her; she struggled in her tenth grade algebra class at Punahou. But she worked hard to pass the class. “I really did learn the importance of a positive attitude, working hard, and having a support network of people who want you to succeed can help you,” Linda says.

Math Professor and Hōkūleʻa Canoe Crewmember, Linda Furuto, shares why you should never turn your back to the waves.